This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
Falmouth University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Carve out a distinct and sustainable music career. On this Popular Music degree, you’ll gain the skills and experiences needed to carve out a distinct and sustainable career as a creative artist and professional musician. You’ll learn how to promote and release your own music and create innovative audiovisual portfolios based on experimentation, defining a practice that’s stylistically sophisticated and future-facing. Throughout the course, you’ll experiment with a variety of approaches to songwriting, performing and producing content, while thinking critically about music’s place in relation to identity, culture, the creative industries and the environment. You will: Become part of a vibrant creative community of songwriters, musicians, producers, DJs, composers and sound artists Discover how to write and perform original material in relation to a unique artistic identity Learn to deploy instruments and technology with skill and imagination in live performance and the recording studio Develop an awareness of music business, including legal, ethical and financial considerations Gain a framework to explore innovative ways of promoting and disseminating work, independent self-release and building networks Learn from staff and visiting lecturers with wide-ranging experience and valuable connections across the music industry Bring your projects to life by tapping into expertise across the university, including dancers, filmmakers, writers and designers
Modules
As part of this Popular Music degree, you’ll develop creative skills in musicianship, performance and songwriting as well as technical skills in recording, production and performing technologies. You’ll also gain a critical understanding of the music industry, learning how to represent artistic work and shape a unique identity. Year one In your first year, you’ll reinforce and expand your knowledge of music technology, music theory, studio practices, songwriting and performance, while embedding yourself in our creative community through collaborative projects with students and staff. The skills, experiences and self-awareness gained in this first year will help you to confidently progress to the next level of study. Modules Playing Live: Songwriting & Performance Pop Synthesis: Technology, Songwriting & Performance Expanding Musical Vocabularies Specialist Music Practice 1 Music and Sound: Context and Cultures Studiocraft Year two In your second year, you’ll be able to tailor your learning to your developing interests and expertise through a range of optional modules covering performance, music business, artistic identity and songwriting. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with students from within and beyond the Music subject area on cross-discipline projects, such as sound and music for film and games, digital arts or multi-modal performance. Modules Professional Creative Artist & Songwriter The Business of Music & Sound Specialist Music Practice 2 Music & Sound: Resonant Futures Optional modules Enterprise: Innovative Music Business Practice A/V Radical Artistry & New Media Aesthetics Composing Music for Media Session Musicianship Immersive & Interactive Audio Advanced & Experimental Performance Resounding: Situated Songwriting & Composition Voice and Listening: Life, People and Planet Year three: You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the Employability Team. Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. How you’ll study during your placement year You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth. Year four: Your final year is geared towards refining your artistic and professional identity, while deepening your knowledge, skills and networks in line with your chosen specialism. You’ll develop your showcase portfolio, enhance your entrepreneurial practice skills and carry out career design work as you prepare to embark on a successful and creative profession in your chosen field. Modules Music & Sound: Dissertation Professional Development Your Future Showcase Portfolio The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
Assessment method
All modules involve varying degrees of student choice, allowing you to design projects and tailor assessment tasks to benefit your development and future aspirations. Assessment methods may include: Portfolio Studio practice and performance Journals, case studies, essays and reports Dissertation Presentations Viva (oral assessments)
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- PY07
- Institution code:
- F33
- Campus name:
- Penryn Campus
- Campus code:
- P
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Through the award of international scholarships, we aim to support academic enrichment by encouraging diversity and excellence at Falmouth. For details of our international scholarships, and how to apply for them, please visit our website at www.falmouth.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
T Level - P - M
If you are able to demonstrate relevant, current, equivalent experience instead of formal qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Please contact our Applicant Services team before applying, for advice regarding your individual experience and eligibility. If you are an international applicant and require a Student visa to study in the UK, you must have a recognised English language test approved and vouched for by the University at the appropriate level. Our Applicant Services team can help you with any general questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests. For more specific advice, we recommend you also consult UKCISA http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Portfolio
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | An (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening |
| Trinity ISE | A minimum of Trinity ISE II with Distinction in all four components is required. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Level B2 | A minimum on the Cambridge English scale of 169 is required |
| PTE Academic | 55 | A minimum score in the Pearson Academic Test of English of 55 overall is required, with a minimum of 51 in all four components. |
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
English language support at Falmouth
https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/international/english-language-support
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Falmouth University
Woodlane
Falmouth
TR11 4RH